Monday, November 24, 2014

Netflix Rescues Tina Fey-Ellie Kemper Comedy 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' From NBC

2014 NBC Upfront Presentation

"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," a new comedy from producer Tina Fey that was set for a midseason debut on NBC, has been acquired by Netflix, which will air the series instead of the network.



"Kimmy," starring "The Office" alum Ellie Kemper as a woman who escapes a cult and strikes out on her own for the first time, had been in development for some time at NBC, but was held -- and eventually scrapped -- due to its offbeat, difficult-to-categorize tone. NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt acknowledged the mismatch between "Kimmy" and NBC's current slate of programming in a statement.



"When the opportunity arose for Tina Fey and Robert Carlock to premiere their new show on Netflix with a two-season commitment, we decided this was the best possible scenario to launch this captivating new series," Greenblatt said. "While it was originally developed for NBC, we have a very drama-heavy mid-season schedule so we're thrilled about this Netflix opportunity; it's an instant win-win for everyone, including Tina, Robert, and Universal Television. We're already talking to these extraordinary creators about new development for NBC, but meanwhile, everyone here from Universal Television will do everything possible to see that 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' becomes a long-running hit on Netflix."



Co-creators Fey and Robert Carlock ("30 Rock") said in a statement that they were "thrilled" with the arrangement.



"We found the inspiration for this series in Ellie Kemper's shining all-American face, and we know that she and Kimmy Schmidt have found their best possible home at Netflix," Fey and Carlock said.



The official "Kimmy" synopsis, according to the press release:

The series stars Ellie Kemper ("The Office") as Kimmy, a young woman who, after living in a cult for fifteen years, decides to reclaim her life and start over in New York City. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers, and a couple of way-past-due library books, she's ready to take on a world she didn't even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, nothing is going to stand in her way. She quickly finds a new job (working for "30 Rock" star Jane Krakowski), a new roommate (Tituss Burgess, "30 Rock"), and a new beginning.





"Ubreakable Kimmy Schmidt" will stream its 13-episode first season on Netflix beginning in March 2015.



[h/t Coming Soon]



Photo credit: Getty Images







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